It’s been a year like no other for our community of women business owners.
We kicked off 2021 with new hope and resolve after making it through 2020 and the unprecedented challenges it brought. As the year “Zoomed” along, we no doubt faced new challenges and opportunities that shaped all of us in ways we never imagined.
Many of us were able to hold in-person events and even travel for the first time in so long. While we love all the technological advances this time forced upon us—many of which we’ll carry forward in our lives and businesses, there’s still nothing like seeing one another face to face. Here’s to more of that in 2022!
It’s been difficult, but we’ve weathered the storm together as part of NAWBO. We have used our voice to affect positive changes. We have shared ideas and resources with one another. We have encouraged and celebrated our fellow NAWBO sisters. And we have re-committed ourselves at every level of this organization to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging where every woman business owner feels like she belongs.
I’m not sure about you, but I feel so fortunate to belong to NAWBO and to have gone through these past two years with my NAWBO sisters by my side. It’s made me feel less alone in the journey, knowing I have so many like-minded women I can turn to just to bend an ear, to brainstorm ideas and solutions, to ask for a referral when I need a new resource and so much more.
As I prepare to embrace 2022 and all the exciting unknowns it will bring, here are some of the things I’m reflecting on that will hopefully give you some ideas to consider for yourself, your business and NAWBO:
- Who can I acknowledge right now for supporting me in this journey? Someone on my team? A family member? A friend?
- Do I have any regrets from this past year? Can I take a moment to reflect, learn, laugh and move forward even better?
- How well did I care for myself? Did I get enough sleep and exercise? Did I take time for myself? What do I want to do more of in 2022?
- How have I made a difference? Have I mentored someone? Have I given to a community cause I’m passionate about? Have I been kind to myself and others?
- How can I keep learning and growing? Can I read more books? Can I participate in more e-learning? Can I attend a great conference?
- How will I step out of my comfort zone? What new things will I try? How will I surprise myself and others? How will I step up in new ways?
- What role can I play in helping NAWBO really thrive? Do I know an entrepreneurial woman who might need NAWBO right now? What strengths or ideas can I bring to the table?
- What can I personally do to ensure every NAWBO member feels welcome and embraced? Is there one small thing that will make a big difference?
Lastly, I want to take this time to thank you for choosing to be part of this amazing community of women business owners who are better together. I’m so excited to see what we can accomplish on our own and together in 2022. Meanwhile, I wish you and your family a warm and wonderful holiday season.
